It was this morning at number 17 in the iTunes download chart as fans flocked to buy it online and more than 19,000 people voiced their support on a Facebook campaign page.

The fan who created a page wrote: “When I started checking the live charting at around 5pm today, Noble England was in the Top 40 (just). Rik is now at 17. We are rising rapidly, but we are by no means home.”

To reach number one, Mayall’s song will have to beat X Factor’s Ella Henderson, who is currently on course to take the top slot.

The patriotic song, in which Mayall borrows from Shakespeare’s Henry V, shows The Young Ones comedian as an intimidating king coaching his football team.

The campaign has the helping hand of Jon Morter, the ‘charts hijacker’ who steered Rage Against The Machine to Christmas number one in 2009 in a protest against the X Factor.

Last night Mayall’s wife Barbara Robbin said there was no explanation for the 56-year-old’s death on Monday.

She said: “We don’t know yet what happened. He had a strong heart so I don’t think it was a heart attack. Maybe he had a fit, maybe it was his heart. We just don’t know until the coroner’s report.”

His 18-year-old daughter Bonnie posted a personal tribute on her Facebook page, saying: “RIP to the man, the myth, the legend, my wonderful, generous, foul mouthed and hysterical father. My idol now and forever. We love you daddy.”